Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'rodent'

English Word: rodent

Key Russian Translations:

• грызун /ˈɡrɨzʊn/ - [Formal, used in scientific, biological, or general contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in educational, wildlife, or everyday discussions about animals, but not in casual small talk)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires basic knowledge of Russian nouns and animal vocabulary, suitable for learners with some familiarity)

Pronunciation (Russian):

грызун: /ˈɡrɨzʊn/

Note on грызун: The stress is on the first syllable (/ˈɡrɨ-/), and the 'ы' sound is a distinct back vowel, which can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'i' in "bit" but more centralized. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'г' to a fricative.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: A small or medium-sized mammal characterized by strong, continuously growing incisors used for gnawing, such as mice, rats, or squirrels.

Translation(s) & Context:

• грызун - Typically used in formal, educational, or descriptive contexts, such as biology, wildlife discussions, or pest control; applies to the general category of rodents.

Usage Examples:

• В лесу обитают различные грызуны, включая белок и хомяков.

  In the forest, various rodents live, including squirrels and hamsters. (This example shows the noun in a plural, descriptive context, highlighting habitat.)

• Грызун повредил кабели в подвале, что вызвало короткое замыкание.

  The rodent damaged the cables in the basement, causing a short circuit. (Demonstrates use in a problem-solving or everyday issue scenario, with the noun in singular accusative case.)

• Учёные изучают популяцию грызунов в Арктике для понимания климатических изменений.

  Scientists are studying the population of rodents in the Arctic to understand climate change. (Illustrates formal, scientific usage, with the noun in genitive plural.)

• Домашние грызуны, такие как морские свинки, требуют регулярного ухода.

  Domestic rodents, such as guinea pigs, require regular care. (Shows the term in a possessive or qualifying context, emphasizing pet-related applications.)

• Грызун в саду может быть полезным, если он поедает вредных насекомых.

  A rodent in the garden can be beneficial if it eats harmful insects. (This example contrasts positive and negative connotations, using the noun in a conditional sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Грызун" is a masculine noun (second declension) in Russian, which follows regular patterns of declension. It changes based on case, number, and gender agreement. Below is a table outlining its basic inflections:

Note: This is a regular masculine noun with no irregularities, making it straightforward for learners. Always ensure agreement with adjectives and verbs based on case and number.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Жвачные животные (zhvachnyye zhivotnyye) - Less precise, refers to chewing animals, but not exact; used in broader biological contexts.
  • Млекопитающие с резцами (mlekopitayushchiye s retsami) - Descriptive phrase, more formal and scientific.
• Antonyms:
  • Хищники (khishchniki) - Predators, contrasting with herbivores or small mammals like rodents.
  • Птицы (ptitsy) - Birds, as a completely different animal category.

Related Phrases:

• Грызун леса (gryzun lesa) - Forest rodent; refers to rodents native to woodland areas, often in ecological discussions.
• Домашний грызун (domashniy gryzun) - Domestic rodent; used for pets like hamsters or guinea pigs, implying a controlled environment.
• Вредный грызун (vrednyy gryzun) - Harmful rodent; common in contexts of pest control or agriculture.

Usage Notes:

"Грызун" directly corresponds to the English "rodent" as a general term for this animal family, but it's more commonly used in formal or technical settings rather than everyday conversation. English speakers should note that Russian nouns require case agreement, so always adjust based on sentence structure (e.g., use genitive for possession). If multiple translations exist, choose "грызун" for broad accuracy; avoid overusing in informal speech where specific animal names might be preferred. Be mindful of cultural contexts where rodents might symbolize pests.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "грызун" as a feminine noun (e.g., incorrect declension like "грызуна" in nominative). Correct: Remember it's masculine; always decline as shown in the inflections table. Example of error: "Эта грызунa" (wrong). Correct: "Этот грызун" (This rodent).

• Error: Confusing with similar-sounding words like "грызть" (to gnaw), leading to misuse in sentences. Correct: Use "грызун" only as a noun for the animal, not as a verb form. Example of error: "Я грызун яблоко" (meaningless). Correct: "Грызун ест яблоко" (The rodent eats the apple).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, rodents like mice (мышь) often appear in folklore as clever or tricky characters, such as in fairy tales by writers like Krylov. The term "грызун" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations but is linked to environmental themes in modern Russia, where rodent populations are monitored for ecological balance, reflecting the country's vast natural landscapes.

Related Concepts:

• Мышь (mysh) - Mouse
• Крыса (krisa) - Rat
• Бобр (bobr) - Beaver
• Животные (zhivotnyye) - Animals (general category)